Step by Step instructions: How to Cut a Papaya
Do you know how to cut a papaya? It is a very common thing that most people know, yet there are so many others who actually don’t know how to use it in salad or how to make a perfect papaya recipe. Hence, today, I am going to write something on this topic. I am sure if you are not accustomed to eating papaya, you should learn a thing or two about it. Now read on.
How to cut a papaya
Papayas, a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C and fiber, are delicious. They are an integral part of Thai and Indian cuisine. You can cook them in many ways, or eat them raw in a nutritious salad.
There are two types of Papaya. The smaller, Hawaiian Papaya, is the most common. Papaya is ready when its bright orange flesh is firm but still has a hint a citrus. The skins and black seeds can be eaten, but the skins cannot.
You can enjoy Papaya just as it is or prepare it for a meal. Here are the steps to cut, peel and slice Papaya. It is time you learn how to cut and prepare Papaya.
How you serve the Papaya will determine how it is cut. You can eat the papaya plain if you prefer. Simply cut it horizontally and scoop out the seeds. You can also remove the skin and cut it into cubes.
This is how to cut a Papaya in the easiest way possible. You can enjoy this juicy, ripe and delicious fruit any way you prefer.
Time to Complete: 20 minutes
Step 1 Choose a ripe Papaya
How to cut papaya
Hawaiian Papaya is a yellow-golden color and more pear-shaped than other varieties. Papaya should be around 80% yellow.
The flesh should feel soft and not too squishy. With your thumb, gently press on the skin. It should then give way with gentle pressure.
You may notice black spots on your Papaya if it is too ripe. It may also emit a fermented smell. This means that the Papaya should not be used.
Raw Papaya that is not ripe should be avoided as it can cause illness. Un-ripened Papaya leaves and flesh can be cooked once they are cool. The flesh will taste similar to squash and the leaves to spinach.
- Rinse Your Papaya before Preparing
While I don’t recommend Papaya skin being eaten, I recommend that you clean the skin so that contaminants from the outside do not get into the flesh. Unwanted germs can be carried from the grocery store to your home by dirt, dust, and dirty hands.
Under running, clean water, rinse the whole Papaya. To avoid any slippage when cutting or peeling, dry the Papaya with a tea towel.
3. Peeling Your Papaya
The peeling of Papaya can be very slippery. To make it easier to work with, I prefer to remove a Papaya once it has been cut into smaller pieces. If you don’t wish to begin peeling immediately, go to the next step.
Can You Eat Papaya Skin?
The skin of Papaya isn’t toxic but I wouldn’t recommend that you consume it. Latex from the papaya plant may be absorbed into skin. This can cause upset stomach. It is also not pleasant to the taste buds. It is better to stick with the delicious flesh.
Use a Vegetable Peeler
A vegetable peeler is a good choice if you prefer to peel this part. You can simply peel the entire thing like a potato. It may be easier to place the Papaya on your cutting board as you work. If the Papaya becomes too slippery or out of control, you can use a fork to keep it in place while you peel.
Paring Knife
A blunt knife in the kitchen could cause severe injury to tender flesh. Instead, use a paring or serrated knife.
Take off the tapered ends of the Papaya so the seeds are visible. Cut a small slice from the bottom to make a flat, stable surface that can be hung vertically on a cutting board.
You can use a sharp knife to cut the flesh and skin into long strips, starting at the top. You can leave a bit of skin at the top to help you grip the fruit and turn it. Or, stick a fork into the top to hold it in place.
You don’t have to press too hard when peeling flesh with a knife. The flesh should be soft and ripe. You could end up slicing too much of the edible part. So, you only have to use light strokes.
Slice Your Papaya In Half
How to cut papaya in half
To expose the seeds, slice and chop Papaya in half.
- Use a spoon to remove papaya seeds
Each half should be turned so that the seeds are facing upwards. Use a spoon to extract any black seeds from the pulpy bits and scrape them away.
- Slice or cut the Papaya into cubes
Step 6: Cutting a Papaya
If you still haven’t peeled your Papaya yet, turn the papaya halves down and peel with a vegetable skinner. Use a fork to hold the papaya in one hand and peel it with the other.
You can also cut widthwise into crescent shapes, and then peel the fruit carefully with a knife. This is dependent on how ripe you are.
Cut the peel into bite-size cubes or chunks. If you have a compost bin, get rid of the peel.
How to Eat Papaya
Ripe Papaya is delicious, and should be enjoyed with gusto
You can eat Papaya at room temp, but it may be more enjoyable to have it cold on hot summer days.
Before you eat your Papaya, squeeze some lemon or lime juice on it. This creates a wonderful tang and enhances its flavor.
An excessive intake of papaya can lead to an orange-tinged skin. Papaya can give you a boost if your diet is low on fiber. You should not eat unripened papaya raw, but it can be prepared and used as a savory side dish.
Simple Ways To Serve Raw Papayas At Home
Papaya Sorbet: Combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and blend. Freeze for at least a few hours to enjoy a sweet, healthy treat on a hot day.
Papaya Salsa is a refreshing, easy snack that’s perfect for summer days. You can enjoy it with corn chips and red onions, peppers and a splash lime.
Papaya Salad- Papaya is a great choice for cheese. Imagine a salad made with greens, tomatoes and almonds. Add feta cheese and a chili-lime dressing. For a crunchy texture, add a few papaya seed to the top.
Papaya Boat – Save time washing up by using your Papaya to make fruit salad. You can leave the flesh intact and add chunks of bananas, pineapples, and berries to the empty seed cavity.
Papaya Smoothie: You might be surprised to know that Papaya, unlike other fruits, is great when mixed with milk. Cut one ripe Papaya in chunks. Add 1/2 cup milk (or any other variety) to the mixture. Finally, squeeze in some lime juice and add a few drops vanilla extract. Texture can be added by adding crushed ice or half of a banana.
Ways To Use Papaya In Cooking
Although ripe Papaya should be eaten raw, you can make a delicious green Papaya dish. This fruit is great with eggplant, potatoes, cheeses and meat.
Marinade – The natural compounds in papaya help meat to be tenderized, making it a great marinade with a citrusy flavor.
Roast/Baked Papaya: Roasting Papaya enhances its flavor. Simple baked Papaya makes a delicious dessert.
Papaya Chicken – Have fun creating delicious Indian food.
Salads and Stews: You can consider green Papaya more of a vegetable. Add chunks to stews, stir-fries or try it as a substitute for squash in your favorite recipes.
Wrapping up
You should keep things simple when preparing a papaya. Papaya’s sweet, fresh flavor is enough to make it delicious and attractive. You should remember that this juicy, orange ripe fruit offers a lot of health benefits. So, even if you have not tasted it, you should immediately make it a habit to make it an inseparable part of your daily breakfast along with other fruits you like.
